County Ch'ship: Division One: Wells fights back

VINCE WELLS stands between Yorkshire and victory when Leicestershire resume today, with their captain hoping to further frustrate the champions elect after scoring an unbeaten century yesterday.

David Byas had delayed his declaration until just after lunch, with Yorkshire 538 runs ahead, and they would have secured victory but for Wells's resistance.

Wells had the collaboration of Darren Maddy, in a 69-run partnership that lasted 82 minutes, and Phillip DeFreitas, who stayed with him for the final 33 overs of the day, including the eight representing the extra half-hour.

Darren Lehmann, Byas's overnight partner, added 52 in 20 overs and was within seven runs of a double-century when Jimmy Ormond, bowling off-spinners, beat him in the air and had him stumped.

Byas waited beyond the completion of his century, which took 224 minutes, to close the innings, and with rain forecast for today that could prove significant.

Yet the timing of the declaration seemed irrelevant when Stephen Kirby and Paul Hutchison blasted through half of Leicestershire's batting order in just 13 overs.

In only two months on the circuit, Kirby has earned a reputation, not only for the pace he generates but also for his aggressive postures.

He seemed to have overdone his act yesterday when Wells took exception and demonstrated his resentment. Umpire Bob White intervened and Byas eventually gestured to Kirby to seal his lips.